Rivers emergency rule: NBA moves annual conference from PH to Enugu

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu, citing the federal government’s imposition of emergency rule in Rivers as unconstitutional.

The decision, made official in a statement issued late Thursday and jointly signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN), General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, and Chairman of the Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC) Emeka Obegolu (SAN), reflects mounting concerns over governance in the state.

According to the statement, the appointment of a retired military officer as Sole Administrator has disrupted preparations for the conference and cast doubts on the city’s suitability as host.

“The announcement that Port Harcourt, the Garden City, would host the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of our Association was met with widespread enthusiasm. Indeed, prior to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, registration figures had soared, reflecting the excitement and eagerness of members to attend. However, the unfortunate turn of events in Rivers State has understandably stalled the momentum and affected advanced preparations for the Conference.

“Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator, who operates with a command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation. His actions have undermined democratic institutions and processes, flouting the rule of law with impunity. Though clad in civilian attire, he governs as though the state is under military rule.”

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Following growing calls from members for a change of venue, the NBA leadership engaged with its branches in Rivers and convened an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on March 27.

“The voices of our members, particularly those calling for a change of venue, grew stronger over time. We convened meetings with the Chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State and held an emergency session of the National Executive Council (NEC) on the 27th of March, 2025. The overwhelming consensus was that the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator.”

The NEC further criticized the state of emergency, arguing it contravenes constitutional guidelines and questioning its approval by the National Assembly.

“The NEC reaffirmed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. It further noted that the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions contravenes Sections 11 and 188 of the Constitution. The purported ratification by the National Assembly, executed via voice vote rather than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority amounts to a grave constitutional subversion. Even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimize an unconstitutional proclamation,” the NBA said.

Maintaining its stance on the rule of law, the association said hosting the conference under the current conditions would be inconsistent with its values.

The event will now take place in Enugu, chosen for its readiness and alignment with constitutional principles.

“The NBA has taken a principled position in accordance with the law: the appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State is unconstitutional. Consequently, and in alignment with the overwhelming position of NEC and the broader membership, we are compelled to relocate the 2025 AGC to a state where constitutional democracy remains intact.

“We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Annual General Conference will now be held in the historic Coal City of Enugu. The city possesses the infrastructure and capacity to host a conference of our scale and significance. We are confident that, with concerted efforts, this change of venue will not compromise our commitment to delivering a successful and impactful Conference.

“We call on all members and stakeholders to lend their full support as we embark on this new path. With unity, diligence, and a shared commitment to our values, we will make this transition a resounding success.”

Rivers emergency rule: NBA moves annual conference from PH to Enugu

13 major Lagos markets shut down over waste violations

In a sweeping enforcement move, the Lagos State Government has closed 13 markets across the state due to ongoing environmental infractions, particularly the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on streets, road medians, and highways—a breach of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known via a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, revealing that the closures were carried out on Thursday night.

“In line with our commitment to environmental sanity, Ketu and Mile 12 markets were successfully sealed last night for persistent violations, including illegal waste disposal on roads, medians, and highways – contrary to the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017,” Wahab stated.

“These enforcement actions are necessary to safeguard public health and restore order to our public spaces. Market stakeholders must take responsibility for proper waste management going forward.

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“Let us work together to build a cleaner, safer, and more responsible Lagos,” he added.

Markets affected by the clampdown include Erukan Market in Mile 12, Oja Oba in Ketu, Owoseni Tundas Market, and Oba Ogunjobi Market—locations long associated with poor sanitation practices.

The action also impacted various commercial spaces: shops at the Mile 12 BRT Terminal, Mile 12 Bus Stop outlets, and the Ketu Terminal Market, which houses six plazas. Other sealed locations include Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market in Mile 12, Demurin Street Plaza Shops in Ketu, and a business premise at 6 Demurin Road.

Further closures extended to Ifelodun Market in Ketu, the Ibadan Unit 1 Park near Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market and Ikosi Fruit Market, as well as the Ketu Tipper Garage.

The government emphasized that the initiative aims to reinforce environmental discipline and improve living conditions in the bustling metropolis.

13 major Lagos markets shut down over waste violations

Court orders FG to take over 7 properties of ex-FBN personnel

A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has granted an order for the permanent forfeiture of seven properties linked to Muiz Tijani Adeyinka, a former employee of First Bank Plc.

The ruling, delivered on Thursday, April 10, 2025, by Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, followed a motion filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The assets in question include residential apartments and parcels of land across various parts of Lagos and Abuja. Among them are: Plot 9, Block 28 Itunu City, Veritas Homes & Properties Ltd., Aiyetoro, Epe; a three-bedroom flat at Le Moriah Residences Estate in Ikate, Lekki; and land in Amen Estate Phase III Extension, Abomiti Zone, along Lekki/Epe Expressway. Others are located in Idera Scheme, Arizon Estate, Itunu Residential, Tiara by Amen City, and Ochacho Real Homes in LifeCamp, Abuja.

According to a statement released by the EFCC, the court’s decision came after no objections were raised within the 14-day period allowed for interested parties to challenge the interim forfeiture, which had been previously ordered.

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“No one showed cause within the 14 days window granted after the publication,” EFCC counsel Zeenat Atiku informed the court.
Supporting the application was an affidavit sworn by EFCC operative Isah Yusuf Nadabo, who stated that Tijani, during his tenure in the bank’s settlement office, exploited privileged access for personal gain.

“He, therefore, carried out illegal, unauthorised and fraudulent activities against First Bank Nigeria Plc,” Nadabo declared in the affidavit.

He further revealed that investigations had traced N35 billion allegedly obtained by Tijani and associates through these activities.

“Investigation has thus far revealed and traced the sum of N35 billion (Thirty Five Billion Naira) benefitted by Muiz Tijani Adeyinka and his cronies,” the affidavit stated.

Atiku urged the court to grant final forfeiture, arguing that the properties were suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of financial crime.

Justice Dipeolu, in granting the order, ruled that the EFCC’s application had merit and subsequently ordered the properties be forfeited to the Federal Government.

Court orders FG to take over 7 properties of ex-FBN personnel